Several months ago, Cobb had a smaller exhibit at the Shapleigh Town Hall for the public to view. She has also arranged for the exhibits of other local artists. Currently, at the Shapleigh Town Hall, there are paintings by Shapleigh artists Edith Belrose and Ron Prevoir on display. When doing business at the town hall, do take time to view the exhibit here.

GROUP MONITORS SHAPLEIGH TOWN FOREST

Members of the Three Rivers Land Trust monitored the Shapleigh Town Forest four times in 2012, on March 3, April 21, May 2, and Dec. 28. Each time, they traversed a different area of the forest.

Monitors Charles Gruber and William Hutchins led the tours.

In March, the group walked from the Town Beach to the Town Farm Road section of the Town Forest Trail. This area had quite a large number of mature-tree blowdowns; there were only about 8 to 10 logs that blocked the walk and needed chainsawing. The worst area was at the entrance and exit on the Town Farm Road; it is a total jumble that either needs extensive trimming or cutting or a short rerouting to a new exit point. Crossing Square Pond Road, the March group walked the skidder roads through the harvested area. The landscape was dramatically different from the previous year. The land is quite clean-looking, with minimal scarification. The landing off Cedar Drive looked neat and tidy.

After many false attempts, the group found the direct skidder road to the vernal pool. There had been a heavy rainfall the week before, so on May 12 the pool was 25-percent filled. The entrance is now marked with green tape.

In April, the group monitored vegetation management. The members walked the southernmost skidder road and noted the extensive clean removal of trees and understory vegetation. The increased light will encourage pine reforestation. The group also visited a previously unknown vernal pool, completely dry. The basin is about 100 feet across.

Donning snowshoes, the monitoring group in December walked the entire length of the old timber harvest skidder road and snowmobile trail. At the half-way point, they crossed a stone wall which represented the boundary between the non-harvested stands and the harvested stands. The footprint of one deer was noted.

HEARING TO FOCUS ON SOLID-WASTE AGREEMENT

Selectmen will hold a public hearing at the Shapleigh Town Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. for a public hearing regarding the Pine Tree Waste, Inc. and Casella Waste, Inc. Handling Agreement. During the hearing, residents will learn how Shapleigh’s solid waste will be handled under the agreement.

Voters will address an article related to the agreement during the annual town meeting in March.

PROPERTIES TRANSFERRED

The following individuals transferred properties in Shapleigh in December. The York County Register of Deeds has received the deeds for the parcels.

The vehicle has approximately 32,000 miles on it. Some work has been done on the ambulance, including the installation of a new turbo and EGR system.

The minimum bid is $15,000 for the ambulance, which is to be sold “as is.”

Anyone interested in viewing the ambulance may do so by appointment only by emailing the rescue chief at pscutrer@gmail.com.

Shapleigh no longer needs this ambulance, as a newer one has been delivered to the rescue squad.

Selectmen will accept sealed bids until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 29. Please submit them to the Executive Secretary’s Office at the Shapleigh Town Hall at 22 Back Road or mail them to Town of Shapleigh, P.O. Box 26, Shapleigh, Maine 04076, in an envelope clearly marked “Ambulance Bid.”

The selectmen will open and read the bids aloud at their meeting at 7 p.m. on Jan. 29.

The town reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids or to accept any bid deemed to be in the best interest of the Shapleigh.

CORRECTION

Last week’s column erroneously listed Cassandra Goulet (Smith) as on a Leave of Absence from the Shapleigh Rescue Squad; member Larry Woods should have been listed as on leave instead. Also the squad meets on the second Thursday evening of each month, and not on the second Wednesday, as noted.